STARLETTE
The mark formed beautiful crescents on my neck after the wound healed, and I couldn’t stop admiring it. The stronger, more magnificent bond that had developed between Maximus and me was even more beautiful. I loved my life now. It was just… perfect.
It was high time I told Maximus about the baby. He loved me, without a doubt. There was no reason to keep it a secret any longer. Besides, Bella had been bugging me nonstop to tell him.
“You’re distracted,” Tom said when his blade nearly cut through my thighs, but I was quick enough to jump back, evading the attack.
I was on the training ground with him, practicing. I wanted to be prepared to defend the pack when the time came. If I was going to be Luna, I had to act like one.
“I have a lot on my mind,” I told him as I lifted my sword and pushed forward with it.
“What’s on your mind?” He asked.
There was no way I was going to tell him. “The safety of the pack.”
“Women shouldn’t have to worry about that.” He groaned, our blades clanking fiercly against each other. “Just like how you shouldn’t be even sparring.”
I raised a brow. “Do you regret teaching me?”
Before he could reply, Lucius appeared beside us, waving us to stop. We did.
He glanced at me briefly before settling his gaze on Tom. “Since you don’t enjoy training with her, why don’t you let me take over?”
“I didn’t say that.” Tom retorted, almost annoyed. “It saved her life once. So I’m glad I trained her.”
What he said earlier was confusing. “So you don’t regret training me?”
He replied with a firm. “No.”
“Whatever. I insist. I want to train with her.” Lucius pressed.
Tom looked at me, and I gave him a reassuring nod. Knowing Lucius, he wouldn’t leave until he had his way. I didn’t want that drama now, especially since I was still angry with him.
Tom gave me a curt nod before leaving, and that’s when I finally let my frustration show toward Lucius.
“What are you doing here?” I rolled my eyes. “You have been avoiding me; why don’t you continue? I’m not one bit affected by your absence.”
“I am not avoiding you.” He denied.
“Then why haven’t I seen you since that day? And for your information, I am still pissed. I went through all those struggles only for you to water down my efforts.” As I remembered everything that happened, rage began to build up within me all over again.
“Let’s train,” he said, ignoring my rant.
I blinked, incredulous. “What?”
“We’ll talk about it while we train.”
I wanted to insist on talking about it before training, but I decided fighting with him might help relieve the pent-up anger. Lifting my sword, I launched an attack, but he blocked it.
“Just pray I’m not angry enough to cut off your head.”
He chuckled. “You must really underestimate my abilities.”
What was funny? “Maybe if you hadn’t decided to keep your poor wolf suppressed, I wouldn’t have to underestimate your abilities.”
“I am sorry.” He suddenly said.
If he was, he would’ve said something since. Not avoid me and just appear out of nowhere. “No, you’re not.”
“I don’t know what to say to make you believe me. I know I overacted, but I was just scared. I wasn’t ready.” He slowed down, and I took that opportunity to forcefully knock his sword out of his hand and held mine against his throat.
“What did I say about beheading you?”
He raised his hands in defeat. “Show mercy, beautiful. Though I did let you win on purpose.”
I knew he was right, but I refused to admit. “Bullshit!”
“Whatever.” I could swear that I saw his eyes rolled.
I pressed the sword in, slightly grazing the skin on his neck. “My sword is still on your neck. Behave.”
“I am sorry, Starlette. Really. After reflecting on my actions that day, I realised I should have handled it differently. Not undermine your efforts.” His eyes suddenly narrowed, focussing on my neck. “Did he mark you?”
I finally withdrew the sword from his neck, feeling my cheeks heat up. “Yes.”
An expression I couldn’t quite read crossed his face as he stared at my neck before returning his gaze to my face. “When?
Everyone in the pack knew. “Where have you been? You have not been around in the pack, have you?”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “No. I haven’t.”
“Where have you been? Your secret place?”
He nodded. “My secret place.”
“Is it about your wolf or something else?” I asked, knowing he only went there when he needed to clear his head. I was still pissed at him, but I cared about his ass regardless.
“A lot.” He briefly stared at my mark again. “Is he treating you better now?”
I ignored his question. “Don’t change the subject, Lucius. Talk to me.”
“No, reply to me first.” He insisted, his eyes searching my face for answers.
The fact that Maximus loved and cherished me was no secret in the pack. How long had Lucius been gone that he didn’t know this? All this time, I thought he’d been avoiding me. Little did I know, he was simply absent.
I jumped full steam on the worry train. “What is happening, Lucius? Talk to me.”
“It’s just that I have been really thinking about my wolf. I don’t want the complications that might come with me acquiring my wolf, but at the same time, I hate that I’m being selfish. He’s probably suffocating wherever he’s bound.” He said, sighing deeply. “I’ve been really overthinking it.”
“Take your time. Release him only when you’re mentally ready. Your wolf is an alpha. He’ll be fine.” I couldn’t believe I was saying this after always pushing him to free his wolf, but his mental health came first. “Just don’t take too long.”
“Perheps if I’m ready, would you forgive my silly ass and help this ungrateful fool?”
I laughed at his words. “I’ll think about it.”
He chuckled softly. “I bet you would.” His eyes fell on my neck again, and the smile on his face faded. “Back to this. Does he treat you better now?”
“And what’s your business with that?” Maximus’ voice suddenly boomed from behind.
He towered behind me. I didn’t have to turn to look at him to know how dark the look in his eyes was.
“It is my business!” Lucius groaned, his jaw clenched.
Maximus’ arm snaked around my waist, and he pressed a warm kiss on my neck. “I warned you to stay away from him, but you never listen.”
I blew out the breath I hadn’t realised I was holding. “He is your brother, Max.”
His lips moved to my ear, nibbling lightly, sending chills down my spine. “Then he should know that you are mine!”
Lucius snarled and I flicked my gaze at him to see his eyes glowing ferociously red. It wasn’t just a flash-it persisted, and when he let out a powerful growl, my heart plummeted.
Was his wolf finally forcing his way out? Here?
Maximus released his hold on me and stepped forward, unleashing an even more powerful growl in response.
I tensed, terror gripping me by my throat.